how do i test for a dead/drained battery?

[ZooMAiRDmX]

Hey everyone... On my 2g, I've been having a lot of problems starting my car as of late. I think the battery might be dead or drained, but I'm not too sure.
What is happening: The engine doesn't turn over right away (it seems like it's gotta wind up for a few minutes, THEN start), but will start up instantly if jumped. When idling, the RPMs surge up and down. When I'm driving the car, it's perfectly fine though. It's just starting to car. Is it a dead battery or a bad starter? How do I test for that?

 

[1fast97gsx]

you have to do a battery load test and a starter test. Most service shops will have a machine they just hook up and it will test your battery, alternator, and starter.